| Jim Hammond |
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Jim Hammond has been exploring wines in North America, Europe and Australia for more than 20 years. A published author, he includes information about wine in every book.
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| "Wines of Echantment" Available at the Following Locations |
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Wines of Enchantment
ISBN# 0-9709878-0-3
$7.95 Available through Amazon.com
and at
Bookworks
4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM
Madeleine's Place
3824 Corrales Road
Corrales, NM
Tularosa Winery
23 Coyote Canyon Road
Tularosa, NM
La Vi�a Winery
4201 S Highway 28
La Union, NM
La Vinca Winery
4201 Highway 28
Anthony, NM
Chocolate Turtle Bed & Breakfast
1098 W. Meadowlark Ln.
Corrales, NM
Frontier Mart
3677 Corrales Road
Corrales, NM
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum Dr.
Albuquerque, NM
Hacienda Manzanal Bed & Breakfast
300 W. Meadowlark Ln. Corrales, NM
End of the Vine Winery 2801 Sudderth Dr # D
Ruidoso, NM 88345
You can order the e-version by clicking on the book cover.
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| Looking for Unique Party Ideas?
Spend an entertaining evening with Jim while you learn fun facts, such as the difference between a Bordeaux and a Burgundy, or what the ritual of tilting, swirling, and sniffing a wine before taking the first sip is all about.
By adding one of Jim's Wine Maestro series of presentations and events, you and your guests will delight in Jim's light humorous, and information-packed style.
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Give the giift of knowledge to your favorite beginning (or advanced) wine lover. Contact us for a gift certificate for a Wine Maestro Evening and make someone happy. |
| The Southwestern Wine Blog |
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Check out my blog for these and other topics
Duckhorn Wines Served at Inaugural Luncheon
Blending Technology and Art
Blind Wine Tasting
Finding the Right Wine for Your Bird
Must-Have Wines in
New Mexico
Paolo's Grapes
Wines with a Southern Exposure
A Judging in Albuquerque
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| News from the Southwestern Wine Guy |
The economy being what it is, any relief without compromising our wine palate is always welcome. If you are a Sauvignon Blanc fan, and can't afford the French Sancerre version, have I got a deal for you. The Crossings 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, is going for about $12 a bottle, which makes it an ideal substitute for Sancerre lovers.
The 2008 growing season was one of the best, and this wine delivers way beyond its price point. The gooseberry and passion fruit nose is interlaced with white peach and citrus. The palate is loaded with stone fruit and citrus with a core of minerality that is also a signature of Sancerre. The Awatere Valley is coming into its own, and The Crossings is one of its best representatives. But don't wait too long, wines this good either disappear or have the price increased because of demand. |
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Atop St. Helena
Napa County has many beautiful hills and valleys with breathtaking landscapes, but I've found none better than the views from Kuleto Estate Winery. This Tuscan-inspired spot rests atop a steep hill in St. Helena, surrounded by terraced hills that shimmer with dusky light on emerald-draped vines. In the distance is Lake Hennessey, which I skirted on the drive up. The 2-mile private road that climbs up the mountainside has numerous panoramic mirrors positioned to expose blind corners, of which there were many. I kept hoping I wouldn't meet a celebrant coming down, because it is really a one-lane road. Want to see for yourself? Check out the Kuleto Estate Winery website and pictures that can only hint at the specialness of this place. Setting, mood, and environmental sounds can all enhance a wine tasting experience, and our tour of the property provided the proper stimulus. Click here to read more about Jim's visit to this unique winery.
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Recent Happenings
The Corrales Quilt & Wine Fair was Mother's Day weekend, and yours truly hosted a series of wine talks on basic and advanced topics. This is my way of helping folks get more out of the wine festival, and increase their appreciation of New Mexico wines. Milagro Vineyards and Corrales Winery are the local entries. Casa Rondena and Tierra Encantado are Albuquerque-based. Luna Rossa from Deming was on hand as was Southern Wines with Blue Teal and DH Lescombes offerings. Wines of San Juan from the Farmington area was joined by Black Mesa from north of Espanola. Santa Fe Vineyards was recently purchased by Black Mesa, and they faced each other across the soccer field.
I recently taught another Elderhostel class in Santa Fe, and took some time to pick up wines for future tastings in these classes. Black Mesa, Vivac, and La Chiripada are all located about 5 miles from each other midway between Santa Fe and Taos, and make one of the best threesomes for wine tasting in New Mexico. All offer unique award-winning wines and a different, fun experience in wine adventuring. Check them all out next time you are in the area.
I just finished my second restaurant article for Albuquerque Arts magazine. The May issue covers the revived Casa Vieja, and the June issue will feature Terra American Bistro. Imagine that, they trust me with food and wine, now. |
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Santa Cruz Ramblings
One of perhaps many wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains that is offering discounts on their wines, but this was the first time I'd heard it called a stimulus package . Byington Winery rests on the ocean-facing side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounded by vines on steeply sloped hills. Their quality wines are well priced and they are known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. And the stimulus involves the Cabs, two of which are deeply discounted on the website. But I did find a winery that cares, and offers just the right stimulus - lower costs on excellent wines. Click here to read more about Jim's time in Santa Cruz.
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Spring is waning and the idle days of summer are upon us. Ah, summer wines and twilight conversations! For topics to disucss, check out my website and my blog!
Sincerely,
Your Wine Guy
Jim Hammond |
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